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Abstract:

The present application provides a vending system for dispensing a number
of products. The vending system may include a number of enclosures with
each of the enclosures including an access system, a weighing system
positioned about the enclosures, and a user interface in communication
with the access systems and the weighing system. The weighing system may
be adapted to determine the number of products removed from the
enclosures.

Claims:

1. A vending system for vending a number of products, comprising: a
plurality of enclosures; each of the plurality of enclosures comprising
an access system; a weighing system positioned about the plurality of
enclosures; the weighing system adapted to determine the number of
products removed from the plurality of enclosures; and a user interface
in communication with the access systems and the weighing system.

2. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
comprises a plurality of glass door coolers.

3. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
comprises a first enclosure with a first number of products of a first
price and a second enclosure with a second number of products of a second
price.

4. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
comprises a first enclosure with a first number of products of a first
temperature and a second enclosure with a second number of products of a
second temperature.

5. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
comprises a first enclosure with a first number of products of a first
type and a second enclosure with a second number of products of a second
type.

6. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
each comprise an access point and wherein each access system comprises a
bar positioned about the access point.

7. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of enclosures
each comprise an access point and wherein each access system comprises a
solenoid positioned about the access point.

8. The vending system of claim 1, wherein each access system comprises a
proximity sensor.

9. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the weighing system comprises a
plurality of weight transducers and a plurality of feet.

10. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the weighing system comprises
a frame sized to accommodate the plurality of enclosures.

11. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a
proximity card coupling device to read and write to a proximity card.

12. The vending system of claim 11, wherein the proximity card comprises
a key and wherein the user interface comprises a key hole for mating
therewith.

13. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the user interface, comprises
a display.

14. The vending system of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a
controller.

15. A method of vending a number of products of known weights from a
number of enclosures to a consumer, comprising: receiving a value balance
available to the consumer; providing access to one or more of the number
of enclosures if the value balance meets or exceeds a predetermined
threshold balance; weighing the number of enclosures before and after a
number of the products have been removed; determining the number of
products removed from the number of enclosures based upon the change in
weight of the number of enclosures; determining the value of the number
of products removed; and providing a revised value balance to the
consumer.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of determining
which of the number of enclosures have been accessed.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the value of
the number of products removed depends upon the enclosure accessed.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of providing access to one
or more of the number of enclosures comprises releasing the door of a
glass door cooler.

19. A vending system for vending a number of products, comprising: a
plurality of glass door coolers; the plurality of glass door coolers each
comprising an access system; a common weighing system positioned about
the plurality of glass door coolers; and a common user interface in
communication with the access systems and the common weighing system.

20. The vending system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of glass door
coolers comprises a first glass door cooler with a first number of
products of a first price and a second glass door cooler with a second
number of products of a second price.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.
12/731,168, filed on Mar. 25, 2010, now pending. This application is
incorporated herein by reference in full.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to vending systems and
more particularly relates to a weight based vending system with
tamper-proof access and an improved user interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Traditional vending machines generally are positioned in locations
of moderate to heavy consumer traffic to ensure sufficient use and
profitability. Locations with less consumer traffic, such as certain
offices, hospitals, schools, retail establishments, and the like, may not
be well suited for the usual size and expense related to the use of a
traditional vending machine. Specifically, the components of the vending
machine, such as the vending mechanism, the refrigeration equipment, the
payment equipment, the product stocks, and the like, may be relatively
expensive to provide and operate. Moreover, the size of the traditional
vending machine may result in a slow rotation of product therethrough if
the sales volume is relatively low. The noise and aesthetics associated
with many vending machines also may not be appropriate for office use or
use in other locations.

[0004] Coolers, particularly glass door coolers, may be somewhat less
expensive to provide and operate given the lack of at least the vending
mechanism. Glass door coolers also generally offer the advantage of
allowing the consumer to see the products available within the cooler.
Such visibility may provide the opportunity to promote the products
therein and also may promote impulse purchases. The lack of the vending
mechanism, however, generally means that the removal of the products from
the cooler cannot always be controlled. Low cost payment solutions, such
as an honesty box placed next to the cooler, may be provided but also may
be subject to abuse given the lack of controlled access.

[0005] There is thus a desire for improved vending systems and methods.
Such improved vending systems and methods may offer the positive features
of a glass door cooler but with appropriate vending and payment controls.
Such improved vending systems and methods also should be less expensive
to provide and operate as compared to a traditional vending machine and
the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present application thus provides a vending system for
dispensing a number of products. The vending system may include a number
of enclosures with each of the enclosures including an access system, a
weighing system positioned about the enclosures, and a user interface in
communication with the access systems and the weighing system. The
weighing system may be adapted to determine the number of products
removed from the enclosures.

[0007] The enclosures may include a number of glass door coolers. The
enclosures may include a first enclosure with a first number of products
of a first price and a second enclosure with a second number of products
of a second price. The enclosures may include a first enclosure with a
first number of products of a first temperature and a second enclosure
with a second number of products of a second temperature. The enclosures
may include a first enclosure with a first number of products of a first
type and a second enclosure with a second number of products of a second
type.

[0008] The enclosures each may include an access point and each access
system may include a bar and/or a solenoid positioned about the access
point. Each of the access systems may include a proximity sensor. The
weighing system may include a number of weight transducers and a number
of feet. The weighing system may include a frame sized to accommodate the
number of enclosures.

[0009] The user interface may include a proximity card coupling device to
read and write to a proximity card. The proximity card may include a key
and the user interface may include a key hole for mating therewith. The
user interface may include a display and a controller.

[0010] The present application further provides a method of vending a
number of products of known weight from a number of enclosures to a
consumer. The method may include the steps of receiving a value balance
available to the consumer, providing access to one or more of the
enclosures if the value balance meets or exceeds .a predetermined
threshold balance, weighing the enclosures before and after a number of
products have been removed, determining the number of products removed
from the enclosures based upon the change in weight of the enclosures,
determining the value of the products removed, and providing a revised
value balance to the consumer.

[0011] The method further may include the step of determining which of the
enclosures have been accessed while the step of determining the value of
the products removed depends upon the enclosure accessed. The step of
providing access to the enclosures may include releasing the door of a
glass door cooler.

[0012] The present application further provides a vending system for
vending a number of products. The vending system may include a number of
glass door coolers with each of the glass door coolers including an
access system, a common weighing system positioned about the glass door
coolers, and a common user interface in communication with the access
systems and the common weighing system. The glass door coolers may
include a first glass door cooler with a first number of products of a
first price and a second glass door cooler with a second number of
products of a second price.

[0013] These and other features and improvements of the present
application will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon
review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction
with the several drawings and the appended claims.

[0018]FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a user interface of the vending
system of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weighing system and the access
system of the vending system of FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the steps of a transaction with the
vending system.

[0021]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a
vending system as may be described herein.

[0022]FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the weighing system of the vending
system of FIG. 8.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a
vending system as may be described herein.

[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the vending system of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present application concerns the vending of any number of
products 10. Although the products 10 are shown, by way of example only,
in the form of bottles, it is understood that the products 10 may include
any type or size of item or package, including, but not limited to,
bottles, cans, pouches, boxes, wrapped items, produce, and/or any type of
rigid or flexible packaging. The products 10 may include beverages, food
items, non-food items, consumer products, and/or any type of product 10
that may be vended. The scope of this application is in no way limited by
the nature of the products 10 intended to be vended herein or otherwise.
Similarly, although one use herein is for a chilled product 10, it will
be understood that the products 10 herein may be offered at ambient
temperatures, frozen temperatures, elevated temperatures, or at any
temperature.

[0026] Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like
elements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a cooler 20. As is
known, the cooler 20 may include an outer frame 30 enclosed by a door 40.
The frame 30 and the door 40 may be largely of conventional design and
may be insulated as desired. The door 40 may include a transparent panel
50 therein. The transparent panel 50 may be made out of glass and the
like. The door 40 may swing open and may include a handle 60. The cooler
20 may have any desired size or shape. The cooler 20 may include a
cooling and/or heating device 70. The cooling and/or heating device 70
may be of conventional design. The cooler 20 may run on electrical power.

[0027] FIGS. 2-4 show a vending system 100 as may be described herein. The
vending system 100 may include a cooler 110. The cooler 110 may be
similar to the cooler 20 described above and may include a door 120 with
a transparent panel 130 or other type of access point. The door 120 also
may include a handle 140. The cooler 110 may have any desired size or
shape and may be any type enclosure. No modification of the components of
the cooler 110 may be required for use with the vending system 100. As
such, the cooler 110 may be an existing unit or original equipment.

[0028] The vending system 100 also may include a user interface 150. The
user interface 150 may be a separate module or integral with the system
100 as a whole. As is shown in FIG. 5, the user interface 150 may include
an electronic payment system 160. In this example, the electronic payment
system 160 may include a proximity card coupling device such as Radio
Frequency Identification ("RFID") reader 170 that may communicate with a
proximity card such as a RFID card 180. The RFID card 180 may be a
proximity card such as a MIFARE card offered by NXP Semiconductors of
Eindhoven, Netherlands. Similar cards may be offered by Paytec Spa of
Como, Italy. Similar devices may be used herein. The RFID card 180 may be
positioned on a key 185 or other type of mounting.

[0029] In this example, the key 185 may be inserted within a key hole 190
of the user interface 150. One or more key sensing micro-switches 200 or
similar devices may sense the presence of the RFID key 180 so as to
activate the RFID reader 170. The RFID reader 170 then may read and/or
write identification data, purchase data, or other types of information
onto the RFID card 180 in a conventional manner. A key retaining solenoid
210 may be positioned about the RFID reader 170 so as to lock the key 185
within the key hole 190 during use or if misuse, abuse, or other types of
undesirable conditions may be detected. (Non-contact systems also may be
used such that the RFID card 180 simply may need to be in proximity to
the RFID reader 170.) The RFID card 180 also may communicate with a
reading and writing station (not shown) so as to add credit and/or other
types of information to the RFID card 180. The reading and writing
station also may be part of the user interface 150 or positioned
elsewhere.

[0030] The user interface 150 may include a controller 220 therein. The
controller 220 may be any type of conventional microprocessor and the
like. The controller 220 may be in communication with the electronic
payment system 160 and with the other components of the vending system
100 as a whole. A serial connector port and/or USB port or other types of
communication means also may be used herein. Preferably, the electronic
payment system 160 and the vending system 100 as a whole are not
networked, but could be so if desired.

[0031] Although the electronic payment system 160 has been described
herein in the context of the RFID reader 170, any other type of
electronic payment device may be used such as other types of smart cards,
cell phones, PDA's, and the like. Conventional cash and/or credit payment
systems also may be used herein but may add to the expense and complexity
of the vending system 100 as a whole.

[0032] The user interface 150 also may include a display panel 230. The
display panel 230 may be a LED display, a video display, or any type of
display device that may communicate with a user. The display panel 230
may have any desired size, shape, or position. Sound also may be used.
The user interface 150 also may include a reset switch 240. The user
interface 150 likewise may include other components and configurations
herein.

[0033] The vending system 100 also may include an access system 250. As is
shown in FIG. 6, the access system 250 may include a bar 260 or other
structure positioned about the door 120 or other type of access point of
the cooler 110. The bar 260 may be maneuverable via a solenoid 270. The
solenoid 270 may maneuver the bar 260 so as to prevent or allow the door
120 of the cooler 110 to be opened. The bar 260 may be maneuvered in
front of the door 120 or may otherwise engage the door 120 along the side
or otherwise so as to prevent opening. The bar 260 may be in the form of
a rail or a similar structure that prevents the door 120 from opening.
Alternatively, the bar 260 may be static with an aperture or the like
therethrough. The solenoid 270 thus may act as a locking pin positioned
about the door 120. Likewise, other types of drive means may be used
instead of the solenoid 270. The position of the bar 260 and/or the
solenoid 270 may be determined by a status detector switch 280 or
otherwise. The access system 250 may be in communication with the user
interface 150 as will be described in more detail below. The access
system 250 likewise may include other components and configurations.

[0034] The vending system 100 also may include a weighing system 300. The
weighing system 300 may be a separate module or integral with the system
100 as a whole. The weighing system 300 may be positioned underneath the
cooler 110. As is shown in FIG. 6, the weighing system 300 may include a
number of weight transducers 310. The weight transducers 310 may be of
conventional design and may sense changes in the weight of the cooler
110. Although two (2) weight transducers 310 are shown, any number may be
used. The weight transducers 310 may be mounted on a base 320 and in
communication with a lid 330. Other types of weight or load sensing
mechanisms and devices may be used herein. The weighing system 300 may
include a proximity sensor 340 to determine when the door 120 of the
cooler 110 is closed. A controller 350 also may be used herein or the
controller 220 of the user interface module 150 also may control the
weighing system 300. The weighing system 300 may be in communication with
the user interface 150. The weighing system 300 likewise may include
other components and configurations.

[0035] The components of the vending system 100 may be positioned within a
cabinet 360 or other type of enclosure. The use of the cabinet 360 may
reduce the possibility of someone pushing down or up on the cooler 120 so
as to vary the results of the weighing system 300 or otherwise tampering
with the components of the vending system 100 as a whole. The cooler 110,
the user interface 150, the access system 250, the weighing system 300,
and other components herein may plug in or share a common electrical
system 370. The electrical system 370 in turn may be communication with a
conventional electrical outlet and the like.

[0036] Although the components of the access system 250 are shown as being
integrated within the weighing system 300, the access system 250 and the
weighing system 300 may be separate components. Moreover, numerous other
configurations of elements may be used herein. For example, the user
interface 150 may be positioned about the bottom of the cooler 110 if the
vending system 100 is to be placed on, for example, a countertop.
Further, one user interface 150 may be used with multiple coolers 110 as
well as multiple weighing systems 300 and access systems 250. The coolers
110 may be side by side, stacked, or positioned in any other
configuration. One cooler 110 may have more than one door 120 or access
point.

[0037] In use, the cooler 110 may be stocked with a number of the products
10. The products 10 preferably, but not necessary, each have the same
weight (at least within each compartment). Having multiple coolers 110
and/or multiple doors 120 may provide a vending system 100 with the
ability to sell products 10 of different prices and/or different types of
products 10. Multiple weighing systems 300 may be used for each type of
product 10 or the controller 220 may attribute each weight differential
to a specific type of product 10.

[0038] The weighing system 300 then determines the weight of the cooler
110. Based upon the weight, the controller 220 of the user interface 150
or otherwise, thus determines the number of products 10 currently
positioned within the cooler 110. The display 230 of the user interface
150 may provide a message such as "Insert Your Key To Enjoy Your Drink
And Hydrate Yourself" or any desired message. The required number of
credits or cost also may be displayed. Any type of messaging may be used.

[0039]FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the steps in one example of a
vending transaction 400. The vending transaction 400 may begin at step
410 wherein the key 185 is inserted within the key hole 190 of the user
interface 150. The key 185 may be locked into place via the key retaining
solenoid at step 420 and then read by the RFID reader 170 at step 430. At
step 440, the electronic payment system 160, in communication with the
RFID reader 170 and the controller 220 or otherwise, may determine
whether the RFID card 180 is authorized. At step 450, the electronic
payment system 160 determines if the RFID card 180 has enough credit
thereon. If the RFID card 180 is not authorized or if the RFID card 180
does not have sufficient credit, the key 185 may be released. The display
230 may instruct the user to charge the RFID card 180 with additional
cash or credits.

[0040] If the RFID card 180 does have sufficient credit thereon, the door
120 may be unlocked via the access system 250 at step 460. The user then
may remove one or more products 10 from the cooler 110 at step 470. At
step 480, the proximity sensor 340 determines that the door 120 is closed
and, if so, the access system 250 thus locks the door 120 at step 490.

[0041] At step 500, the weighing system 300 weighs the cooler 110. At step
510, the weighing system 300 determines if the weight is less than, equal
to, or more than the previous weight. If the weight is more, the door 120
of the cooler 110 may be again unlocked as in step 460. The user likewise
may be instructed to remove the additional weight such as an unauthorized
product the user intended to chill. If the weight is less, the weighing
system 300 determines whether the difference is a multiple of the product
weight at step 520. If so, the monetary value or the credits for the
number of products 10 removed is subtracted and a revised credit balance
is written on the RFID card 180 via the RFID reader 170 at step 530. If
the weight is equal, then no subtractions or revisions are made. The key
185 then may be released at step 540 and the transaction 400 is
completed.

[0042] Although other protocols may be used herein, the RFID card 180
preferably has enough credit thereon to purchase at least one product 10
therein before the door 120 is opened. If more than the credit for one
product 10 is required, a negative balance may be applied to the RFID
card 180. The display 230 may remind the user to add credits or cash to
the RFID card 180. Credit generally must be added and a positive balance
must exist before the vending system 100 will vend another product 10.

[0043] Restocking the cooler 110 may be initiated by the use of a master
RFID key 185. The master RFID key 185 may alert the vending system 100
that products 10 are to be added to the cooler 110. The electronic
payment system 160 may write the number of products 10 inserted into the
cooler 110 onto the master RFID key 180 or otherwise account for the
additional products 10. Similarly, a self-service RFID key 185 also may
be used. With a self-service key 185 and the like, users may stock the
vending system 100 themselves as opposed to the traditional vending route
supplier. Such a key 185 may be used only for a limited number of times
so as to limit the chances of misuse and the like.

[0044] The vending system 100 thus may use an existing cooler 110 and
provide controlled access thereto via the user interface 150 and the
access system 250 while providing easy payment via the electronic payment
system 160 and the weighing system 300. The vending system 100 thus is
appropriate for use in either lower volume locations or locations where
the aesthetics or noise of a traditional vending machine may not be
appropriate. Specifically, the vending system 100 may be appropriate for
small or medium sized enterprises where somewhat lower sales may be
expected. The vending system 100 thus may have a relatively small size
with associated lower noise levels so as to be appropriate in
environments such as offices and the like.

[0045] Moreover, use of the vending system 100 or multiple systems 100 may
greatly increase the number of vending opportunities even for larger
enterprises. In other words, the density of vending opportunities and the
number of points of interruption may be increased through the use of
multiple vending systems 100. The closer a user is to the vending system
100, the greater chance of use.

[0046] FIGS. 8 and 9 show an alternative embodiment of a vending system
550 as may be described herein. The vending system 550 may be similar to
the vending system 100 described above. Specifically, the vending system
550 may use a similar cooler 110 with the door 120 and the transparent
panel 130. Likewise, the vending system 550 may use a similar user
interface 150 and a similar access system 250. Alternative systems also
may be used herein. The overall components of the vending system 550 may
be mounted within the cabinet 360 and the like.

[0047] The vending system 550 may use an alternative weighing system 560.
Instead of a pair of weight transducers 210 positioned about the lid 330
in the weighing system 300 described above, the weighing system 560 in
this example may use a number of weight transducers 570 positioned about
a number of leveling feet 580. In this example, four (4) weight
transducers 570 are positioned about four (4) leveling feet 580. Any
number of weight transducers 570 and leveling feet 580 may be used
herein. The weight transducers 570 and the leveling feet 580 may be
mounted about a stiff frame 590. The cooler 110 may be mounted directly
onto the stiff frame 590. The weighing system 560 may be positioned
within a base 600 or other type of structure. Other configurations may be
used herein. The weighing system 560 determines the weight of the cooler
110 and the products 10 therein and communicates this data in a manner
similar to that described above.

[0048] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a further alternative embodiment of a vending
system 610 as may be described herein. The vending system 610 may be
similar to the vending systems 100, 550 described above but includes the
use of multiple coolers 110. In this example, a first cooler 620 and a
second cooler 630 are shown. Any number of coolers 110, however, may be
used herein.

[0049] Each of the coolers 120 may have an access system 250. The access
systems 250 may be similar to that described above and may include the
bar 260 and/or the solenoid 270 positioned about the door 120. In this
example, a first access system 640 and a second access system 650 may be
used with the first cooler 620 and the second cooler 630, respectively.
As with the number of coolers 110, any number of the access systems 250
may be used herein. Alternatively, one (1) access system 250 may be used
with multiple coolers 110. Each of the access systems 250 also may
include its own proximity sensor 340 to determine when the door 120 of
the related cooler 110 may be closed. One, several, or all of the access
systems 250 may be activated during any given transaction so as to
provide access to one, several, or all of the coolers 110. Alternative
access system configurations also may be used herein.

[0050] The vending system 610 may include a common user interface 660. The
common user interface 660 may be similar to the user interface 150
described above, but adapted for use with the multiple coolers 110 and
the multiple access systems 250. The user interface 660 may be in
communication with each of the access systems 250 and the weighing system
as described below. Alternatively, multiple user interfaces 150 also may
be used herein.

[0051] The vending system 610 also may include a common weighing system
670. The common weighing system 670 may be similar to the weighing system
300 or the weighing system 560 described above, but expanded for use with
the multiple coolers 110. In this example, the common weighing system 670
may include the weight transducers 570 and the leveling feet 580 of the
weighing system 560. The common weighing system 670 further may include
an expanded frame 680. The expanded frame 680 may be sized to mate with
the desired number of coolers 110. Any number of coolers 110 may be used
with the common weighing system 670. Other configurations of the common
weighing system 670 may be used herein. Multiple weighing systems 300,
560 also may be used herein.

[0052] The vending system 610 may include an expanded cabinet 690 and an
expanded base 700. The cabinet 690 and the base 700 may be sized to
accommodate the number of cooler 110 intended to be used. Any number of
coolers 110 may be used herein. Other configurations of the cabinet 690
and the base 700 also may be used herein.

[0053] In use, the vending system 610 provides for the use of any number
of coolers 110. Advantageously, the vending system 610 permits the use of
the multiple coolers 110 with the common user interface 660 and the
common weighing system 670. Only the access systems 250 have been
duplicated in this example. The use of these common components thus
should reduce the overall cost of providing and operating the vending
system 610 as a whole.

[0054] The vending system 610 also may provide for price differentiation.
For example, the first cooler 620 may have products 10 therein of a first
price and the second cooler 630 may have products 10 therein of a second
price. Although the common weighing system 670 may only determine the
total weight differential in the vending system 610 as a whole, the
controller 220 also may determine which door 120 of which cooler 620, 630
had been opened and thus may charge the user accordingly. Alternatively,
multiple weighing systems 560 also may be used such that each cooler 110
includes its only weighing system 560 in communication with the
controller 220. Other configurations may be used herein.

[0055] In addition to differently priced products 10, the vending system
610 also may accommodate products 10 at different temperatures. For
example, the first cooler 620 may have products 10 therein of a first
temperature and the second cooler 630 may have products 10 therein of a
second temperature. As such the vending system 610 can accommodate heated
products 10, cooled products 10, products 10 at ambient, frozen or
partially frozen products 10, or products 10 at any temperature. Other
types of product differentials may be provided herein. In other words,
each cooler 110 may have a distinct product type therein.

[0056] The vending system 610 thus may provide not only a large number of
products 10 therein but also a number of products with different prices,
different temperatures, and other types of product differentials.
Moreover, the vending system 610 provides the consumer with this product
diversity while providing ease of use and security.

[0057] It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to the
preferred embodiments of the present application and that numerous
changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in
the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.